The 10 Best Events in Berlin in May

May is one of my favorite months in Berlin. The city smells of lilacs and street food, the parks are filling up, and suddenly half of Berlin is sitting in cafés again as if winter had never happened. There's movement everywhere: culture, music, markets, festivals, sports.

We've picked out the 10 best events in Berlin in January for you:

1. Carnival of Cultures (Pentecost weekend)

Dance groups, costumes, music styles from all over the world: a huge street parade through Kreuzberg and a colorful festival at Blücherplatz. Berlin shows its true colors here: diverse, loud, creative, chaotic.

Our tip: Go early. It gets crowded in the afternoon. And be sure to stop at the street food market: the food is world class.

2. Berlin Theater Meeting (first half of May)

The most important theater productions from German-speaking countries come to Berlin. Large-scale productions, discussions, workshops. If you love theater, this is a must-see event. If not, it's also the perfect opportunity to get started.

Our tip: Attend the supporting programs (they are often cheaper and very good).

3. MyFest (May 1, Kreuzberg)

Concerts, stands, street stages: a folk festival in the middle of Kreuzberg, both political and musical. It's lively, loud, and multicultural. Typical Berlin!

Our tip: Avoid Oranienstraße if you prefer a quieter atmosphere.

4. Spreewaldfest in Britzer Garten (May weekend)

An idyllic family festival with traditional crafts, brass band music, cucumber dishes, and lots of greenery. Sometimes it's nice to go to a quiet festival and just relax.

Our tip: Watch the boat show on the big lake. It feels like a mini vacation.

5. Gallery Weekend Berlin (end of April/beginning of May)

Over 50 galleries open their doors for new exhibitions, projects, and artists. The atmosphere is simply great!

Our tip: Don't plan to visit more than 3-4 galleries per day. Otherwise, you'll get art overload.

6. Berlin Bicycle Show & Bike Festivals (varies in May)

The latest from the world of cycling, urban mobility, shows, test rides. Berlin and bicycles simply belong together. The events are hip, technical, and very “Berlin.”

Our tip: Try street food and take test rides in the outdoor area. It's always worth it.

7. Open Studio Day (May weekend)

Artists open their studios all over the city. From backyards to attics. You can see art where it is created. It doesn't get much more personal than that.

Our tip: Prenzlauer Berg and Weißensee have a particularly large number of exciting places to visit.

8. Berlin Beer Festival / Craft Beer Events

Numerous Berlin breweries organize smaller beer festivals, tastings, and brewery tours in May. And the Berlin craft beer scene is really good!

Our tip: BRLO and Stone Brewing (now Brewdog) often have the most exciting events.

9. Open-air season starts (from May)

Open-air cinemas open, concerts move outdoors, and Urban Spree launches outdoor events.

Why I love it: Pure summer feeling: popcorn, picnic blanket, Berlin evening sky.

Our tip: Friedrichshain open-air cinema (for its beautiful atmosphere among the trees)

10. International Museum Day Berlin (May 17, 2026)

Many museums offer free admission, guided tours, workshops, and special programs. You always discover something you didn't know before.

Our tip: Prefer small museums. The activities there are more personal.

Every year, I experience how diverse and lively this month is, whether you're in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the Carnival of Cultures or strolling among the blossoms in Britzer Garten.

What I particularly love about May is that it doesn't belong to anyone in particular. Whether you're an art lover, music fan, street festival adventurer, or nature lover, you'll find your Berlin. And that's what makes this month so special. So grab a bike, a picnic blanket, or just some good shoes and dive in.